The Lewis family said the skunk, when it was taken to the state health department, tested positive for rabies, so they had to put down their two 6-week-old puppies.

The couple's daughter, Willa, had just named the puppies the night before they were attacked. The couple said the puppies were on the back porch for a few minutes, but by the time they heard the crying, it was too late.

"It was a rabid skunk. It was just going crazy on them and attacking them, wouldn't let up, even after (my husband) started hollering at it and trying to shoo him off," said Kelsie Lewis.

The puppies were not old enough to have rabies shots. The couple said it was a heartbreaking lesson to learn, but they're keeping an even closer eye on their daughter.

"I really wasn’t expecting it so close to town. It doesn’t really feel that rural to me out here," said Kelsie Lewis.

According to the state health department, rabies cases have been on the rise over the spring season. It's not uncommon and even though it wouldn’t have helped the Lewises, officials said the best way to protect the family is to get the pets vaccinated.

"Every year, when you take your cat or your dog in to get their yearly checkup, make sure that they're current on their rabies vaccine and that they don’t need a booster," said epidemiologist Kendra Dougherty.

Health officials said animals can start getting the rabies vaccine when they're 4 months old. Until then, it’s best to keep them indoors.